Some aircraft are, simply put, icons of their era: the Wright Flyer, the SR-71 “Blackbird”, and the F-22 “Raptor”, to name just a few. All hold a special place in history, and in the hearts and minds of the men and women who flew them or have dreamt about doing so.

On this episode, the only surviving triple ace of World War II, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Clarence “Bud” Anderson, joins us to tell his story about his experience in one of the most famous icons of World War II: the P-51 “Mustang”. Be sure to check out Bud's book, To Fly and Fight: Memoirs of a Triple Ace.

Former F-16 pilot, and host of The Afterburn Podcast host, U.S. Air Force Major John “Rain” Waters, joins as cohost to lend a hand with his experience with the P-51, tell us about his podcast, and helps answer a listener question on low-altitude fighter formations in the aerodrome pattern.

Episode artwork by Janek Krause based on original photography by Rich Cooper. Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.